Awards Recipients – 2012
Click image to view handbookThe Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) announced the 16 recipients of the 2012 ABIC Education Awards.
“ABIC is very pleased to be able to offer scholarships to those wishing to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies,” said ABIC Education Awards Chairman Roy Fellowes. “This year is our 35th Anniversary celebrating awards to more than 500 students. Many of Award recipients are now in leadership positions in International Business and the infrastructure that supports it.”
The Awards luncheon was held at the Harbourfront restaurant. The guest speaker was Mesheiah Crockwell, the Head of Human Resources at the BMA. As a previous ABIC alumnus she encouraged the 16 award recipients to challenge themselves and to embrace the opportunity that they have been afforded by ABIC. “Franklin D. Roosevelt once said that - “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today”. When we consider that many of the ABIC Alumni who now hold impressive positions in our local community once sat where you sit today, this statement couldn’t be truer.”
Among the recipients were Recquel Furbert, Ebony Brockington, Cynarra Phillips, Whitney Ming, Francesca Rowlinson, Subira Dill, Waheed Brown, Dayna Madeiros, Korin Knights, George' Wilson, Nicole Nelson, Kris Furbert, Brittany Hassell, Michelle Onyia, Sarah Maybury and Lisa Trott.
Ms. Dayna Madeiros was presented with the 2012 Michelle Outerbridge Award, which is valued at $5,000 and is given to the scholarship winner who displays qualities of top academic achievement and an outgoing personality.
ABIC announced at the luncheon a new one year $15,000 scholarship in undergraduate businesses and finance studies, established in honour of Mrs. Shernelle M. Outerbridge, the late CEO of Zurich Investment Services in Bermuda. In her memory, Zurich has created the Shernelle M. Outerbridge scholarship to be offered each year, as an additional grant to one candidate who has already been identified for an ABIC scholarship. This year’s recipient is Ms. Michelle Onyia.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Education Dame Jennifer Smith, JP, MP, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Senator Kim Wilson, JP and Executive Director of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Joanne MacPhee. The aim of the scholarship programme, which is in its 35th year, is to provide financial assistance to Bermudian students pursuing higher education degrees, primarily related to international business, in the long-term developing highly-trained individuals who will return to the Island to help strengthen the industry and the economy.
To date more than $5 million has been donated to the programme by international business companies based in Bermuda, with approximately 50 companies contributing on an annual basis.
This year, ABIC received 51 completed applications, conducted 26 interviews and presented 16 awards, with a total of $ 527,545 being raised for their funding.
The 2012 Awards Recipients are:
Ebony Brockington
In the fall Ebony will be entering her final year at Temple University and will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a major in Business Management and a minor in Accounting. During her time at Temple University, Ebony significantly improved her GPA which earned her a place on the Dean’s List. She also became a member of the Golden Key Honors Society and the Beta Gamma Sigma; both programs are for students who are in the top percentile of their classes. In high school Ebony maintained a 3.0 GPA and earned a spot on the National Honors Society. During her time at Bermuda College she graduated with Distinction on the President’s List. While in Bermuda she was actively involved with the Youth Net Program where her “aim was to be a guiding hand and positive role model to at least one child.” She also volunteers at Tomorrow’s Voices. Ebony’s future goal is to “graduate from Temple University with high honors and to get a job in the reinsurance industry.” To assist Ebony in her future goals she joined the National Association of Black Accountants. Additionally, she joined Students for Responsible Business and also volunteered on their community service committee. She can be described as a mature and caring young lady with unquestionable integrity. In addition, she is extremely bright, hard-working, and performs at the highest level academically. A personal reference quoted, “Ebony is one of Bermuda’s stars and I know that Bermuda will be served well by her.”
Subira Dill
Subira recently completed her studies at Bermuda College and received her Associates Degree in Business Administration with Distinction. She is described as “articulate, responsible, punctual and assertive in expressing her views in any subject matter.” It was these admirable traits when combined with her academic strengths and willingness to go the extra mile for those around her that enabled her to contribute to the student community as both a Tutor and Mentor. Another example of her giving nature is evidenced through her volunteer work at the Salvation Army Food Kitchen where she was part of the ‘Feed the Homeless’ program. Subira’s academic accomplishments and her commendable community involvement have earned her a place at Temple University in the fall, where she will be studying Risk Management and Insurance. It is her goal, “to pursue a career in international business because of the limitless opportunities it provides to young Bermudians.” Her strength of character and ability to succeed is no more evident than in her own words, “Unlike many of my peers, the light bulb has gone off and I get it. I am not seeking to further my education because I am following in someone else’s footsteps; I seek to make my own imprint.”
Kris Furbert
This fall Kris will be entering his first year at The European School of Economics in Madrid to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In Spain Kris will be acquiring Spanish as a second language as he believes that being bilingual will make him an asset to any business. During his time in Bermuda, Kris has given back to the community by being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor since 2009, the Mirrors program as an Education Coach and a member of the Mariner’s Rugby Club. Kris is described by a Chartered Mathematician as being “calm, confident, easy to please, and understands the value of hard work and the importance of a strong work ethic.” This is exemplified through his list of accomplishments: Gold, Silver, and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards, captain of a local rugby team, awarded MVP of Bermuda’s National Rugby Team verses Barbados, Full Corporal at Bermuda Regiment and Exceptional Service Leader’s Award at Butterfield Bank. Upon his graduation his goal is “return to Bermuda to work within the international business sector, and hopes to be a huge asset to his future employers and a role model for young Bermudians.” Kris always conducts himself with decorum and respect for those around him and “will contribute positively to any organization he is involved in whether it may be in a professional, academic, or sports related environment.”
Recquel Furbert
Recquel will be entering her second year at Berkeley College where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in General Business. Recquel’s Mathematics Instructor stated, “Ms. Furbert gracefully balances independent study and the collaborative spirit. Her ability to help her classmates and explain difficult material has made her not only well respected among her peers, but a valuable aid to me as the instructor.” Additionally she is described as having “always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition, she has proven the ability of striving to do her best at all times.” Recquel’s strong academic performance has earned her the distinguished honor of being placed on the President’s List – a testament of her hard work. Upon her graduation Recquel is hopeful to land a job in one of the large insurance or reinsurance firms. This will allow her to strengthen her connection with international business while also enhancing herself as a person. Recquel believes that her son will gain from her experiences as she is going to college to better herself and this presents her with the opportunity to provide a brighter future for him.
Brittany Hassell
Brittany is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages with Business and Management at Aberystwyth University. Entering in to her second year, Brittany has managed to maintain a high academic average and has earned multiple academic awards including Principal’s List Honors, First Honors, Second Honors and School Spirit. As a student Brittany is “able, engaging, committed, driven, and always strives to complete every task to a high standard.” She has been actively involved in the Christian Union Society participating in conferences in Cardiff as well as supporting the International Student Outreach Program. Brittany is also involved in Youth Ministry on Friday nights at her local church in Aberystwyth. She is self-taught in guitar and has spent 10 years at Suzuki Piano School. As a former Kindergarten Music Teacher, she had the opportunity to combine her love for people, music and languages. Brittany is described by Warwick Academy’s Head of Modern Languages teacher as being “a focused well rounded person who is a great role model for the young people of Bermuda and would represent the scholarship well.” Her ultimate career objective is to be “one of those great influencers through a career in business, teaching younger generations the importance of being global minded by being a genuine example for them.”
Korin Knights
This fall Korin will be entering his second year at Holborn College where he is pursuing an Honor’s degree in Legal Studies. Korin is described by his English tutor as being a “very reliable, punctual, and hardworking student who appears motivated and enthusiastic at all times.” Korin states that his educational background as a homeschool student in Bermuda has molded him into an independent, self-reliant and efficient individual at a young age. Korin has been involved in the community by volunteering with the C.A.R.T.E.L Anti-Gang Organization. Additionally, he has gained experience that will assist him in obtaining his degree in Legal Studies by volunteer shadowing of the Attorney General, and by shadowing at Mussenden Subair Limited. Korin’s conduct is described by his Pastor as being exemplary. His mannerisms have always displayed that of respect and humility both to his peers and to adults alike which would make him a valuable asset to any institution. Korin’s ultimate career goal is to “work ethically and morally and to build good business relationships for the benefit of the client.”
Dayna Madeiros
Dayna recently completed her studies at Quincy High School in Massachusetts with a high academic average ranking in the top 3% in her class of 285 students and became the first young lady to graduate from the IT program on record. Her former IT teacher stated, “Dayna epitomizes drive, determination and academic achievement.” During her time at Quincy High School she has been involved in Operation Days Work which raises money for children in developing countries; Lucy Parsons Prison Book Day collecting and sending books to prisons; the South Shore Walk for Hospice Pancreatic Cancer Walk; SkillsUSA of which she is a founding member; and the National Honor Society in which she is a proud member. Dayna is described as being a “motivated, self-starter who displays a maturity beyond her years.” In the fall she will be entering Worcester Polytechnic Institute to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science. Dayna’s future goal is thus “when I graduate from college Bermuda will be the first place I will look to start my career. I hope that as an actuary I will be able to help expand Bermuda’s international business industry for the future.” Judging by Dayna’s academic and community service track record she is destined for a bright and successful future.
Sarah Maybury
Sarah recently completed two years at United World College Costa Rica, an IB school bringing 160 students from 70 different countries to study and work towards a sustainable future. Living in such a multicultural community exposed her to differing perspectives and enabled her to learn Spanish and to strengthen her French. Sarah is described as being a “very mature, proactive, and educated young woman.” Her history teacher stated that she “is always attentive and hardworking to the extent that she never fails to put maximum effort into whatever she is doing.” During her studies she enjoyed participating in a variety of sports particularly volleyball. “She is considered by many to be the future of women’s volleyball in Bermuda, and as such, was selected to carry the Bermuda flag at international competitions.” She will be attending the University of Central London to pursue a degree in Anthropology in the fall semester. Sarah explained, “I intend on studying anthropology, and although at first glance, may not seem like a degree which is transferable to international business, it will teach me skills to assess human behavior.” Sara’s UWC Biology Teacher commented, “I know she will continue to be a valuable asset to her home country Bermuda, her future university and that she will give the same honor and prestige to other institutions that she has brought to our school community.”
Whitney Ming
Whitney recently graduated from Bermuda College with academic honors and achieved her Associates in Arts for Business Administration. She will be attending The University of Essex to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Financial Management in September. From the moment she began her first accounting course she took a liking to it. She stated, “I like crunching numbers and I am also intrigued by the technical aspects.” Whitney is described as being a keen and enthusiastic student with a very pleasant disposition. The Executive Director of The Chewstick Foundation stated, “Whitney was most recently recognized as The Chewstick Foundation Youth Volunteer of the year at the Centre on Philanthropy Volunteer Appreciation Reception. Her passion and commitment to her academic and community involvement will make her an asset to any organization, privileged enough to have on board.” Her goal is to complete her undergraduate degree and return to Bermuda to become a professionally qualified accountant.
Nicole Nelson
Since 2011 Nicole has been attending the University of West England where she has been studying to obtain her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Business Studies with a concentration in Economics. Her involvement in the community both in Bermuda and abroad in University is testimony to her thoughtful nature. She is a former KEMH candy-striper, a mathematic tutor for primary school students and also offers violin lessons as a form of community service as she has played since she was six years old. Her violin teacher stated that “she will prove to be an asset to any programme she attends through her hard work, kind demeanor, dedication and willingness to be a team player.” Additionally she successfully completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Since entering university Nicole has distinguished herself from other students; her well-roundedness, motivation and perseverance make her a great candidate for this award. Nicole was an intern at KPMG and her former manager stated, “I believe that with Nicole’s eagerness and willingness to learn, she will be very successful in her future endeavours.”
Michelle Onyia
Michelle recently graduated from The Berkeley Institute with a near perfect GPA. She was invited to be a member of the National Society of High School Scholars as she maintained high honors throughout all of her years at Berkeley, while also participating in numerous activities both in school and the community. She was involved in The Global Youth Leadership Conference, the Menuhin Foundation, the Center for Talented Youth, the Royal Society of Music and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. She was also on The Bermuda National Volleyball team and the Diamond Netts Netball team. Michelle’s former teacher stated, “This modest, intellectual, poised, articulate, highly motivated academic student is a great example to all of her peers.” Michelle will be entering Mount Saint Vincent University in the fall where she intends to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics. A personal reference of Michelle described her as being “an excellent role model, rare and wonderful delight, and has a keen and exceptional character.”
Cynarra Phillips
Cynarra recently completed her Associate Degree in Actuarial Science at Bermuda College with a high academic average. During her time at the college she volunteered as a tutor for her classmates. The Chair of Mathematics at Bermuda College stated, “Cynarra has demonstrated to be a mature and hardworking student who is sure to become a better one as she continues to complete her advanced studies.” Her former Mathematics teacher at Cedarbridge Academy described her as being “honest, responsible, career driven, and respectful. She exhibited leadership characters, integrity, and a strong determination to succeed.” This fall she will be entering Temple University where she will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science. Cynarra stated that “she loves math and finds joy in the challenge, and comfort in the critical thinking in this field.” Her objective is to obtain a position as an Actuary that will enable her to utilize her organizational and mathematics skills.
Francesca Rowlinson
Francesca will be receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from the University of Exeter. It is apparent from Francesca’s references that she is quiet but confident and that she fully engages in activities despite their level of difficulty. Francesca was a prefect at BHS, she worked at the aquarium as a camp counselor and volunteered at The Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation for two years. She has been described as a polite, sociable, compassionate and sensible young lady. Francesca was a part of Jackson’s School of Performing Arts for close to 15 years. She has also participated in football, volleyball and basketball. As a well-rounded individual, “Francesca has always taken her education seriously as demonstrated by her excellent results.” She is a dedicated student that is looking forward to continuing her studies at the University of Exeter in September. Next year upon completion, she plans on returning home to explore the opportunities that international business has to offer in Bermuda.
Georgé Wilson
Georgé recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate program at The Bermuda High School with the exceptional GPA of 3.88. She is described by her IB English Teacher as a, “polite and respectful student to teachers and to her peers.” Georgé was the Head Girl at BHS, a member of Bermuda’s Youth Parliament for three years and achieved all of the Duke of Edinburgh awards. She participated in an anti-bullying group - BHS Angels and the Model United Nations Club where she went on two trips representing Estonia in Boston and Nigeria in Atlanta. Additionally she is a member of the Menuhin Foundation where she has been practicing the violin for the last 9 years and volunteering in their Tuck Shop for the last two years. A Menuhin Foundation Teacher stated that “Georgé is a highly competent and reliable young lady. She is confident and has a pleasant manner in the way she interacts with fellow students, or in her dealings with adults.” In the fall, Georgé will be attending The University of Manchester where she will be majoring in Business Studies and Politics. Upon completion of university she plans on returning to Bermuda and serving her island within the international business sector.
Post-Graduate
Lisa Trott
Lisa graduated from Warwick Academy is 1986 and went on to earn a Diploma in Arts and Science at Bermuda College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at York University. After her studies she returned to the island to join the local workforce before completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Florida State University. Since graduation, Lisa has been working as a Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience under her belt. She has had the opportunity to spread her wings in various job positions such as becoming a Medical Social Worker, a Child Protection Officer, a Counselor for recovering female drug addicts and abused women and most recently a School Guidance Counselor. She stated her experiences have allowed her to develop three skills which will help her in her new career in law; “advocacy, positive interactions with people from all walks of life, and being persistent.” Lisa has just completed her Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP Law School and will return to BBP Law School in the fall to complete her LPC.
Post-Graduate
Waheed Brown
Waheed graduated from Albert College in 1998 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, specifically Software Engineering at McMaster University and passed his Certified Information Systems Auditor Exam in 2008. His career history includes working at Vizible.com in Toronto as a Business/ Programmer Analyst, Devonshire Beach Ltd. as a project manager and a principle software engineer and Monster Technologies in Prague as a Senior QA Engineer. In 2010, Waheed became a certified project management professional in Prague, Czech Republic. He is most recently employed with KIT Digital in Prague as a project manager. He is currently enrolled at Charles University were he is pursuing a Master of Economics and Finance degree. Waheed is described as being an enthusiastic and motivated individual. He has a strong ability to connect with others through his excellent communication skills. A former co-worker stated that, “Waheed is approachable, friendly, and a team player. He is a consistent worker, with his eye on the goal, and always moving in the direction of self improvement.” Waheed has been involved with the British Chamber of Commerce in Prague, the International Game Developers Association, participated in local events in Toronto with Canadian Motorcycle Association, and is a certified member of the Project Management Institute as he designed test content with other professionals in Warsaw, Poland. Waheed stated that he “aspires to accumulate enough knowledge to establish an international company in Bermuda and it is the reason why he is pursuing a master’s degree in Europe. By gaining more education, making international contacts, and learning more languages he hopes to become an international business leader.”
